Leeds Rhinos Foundation Partner Schools Officer, Emma Davis is teaching a 6-week gymnastics programme as part of her role at Grimes Dyke Primary School, to further develop pupil’s skills in a range of sports
Grimes Dyke Primary School have been receiving more than just rugby sessions from their Leeds Rhinos Foundation Partner Schools Officer Emma Davis. The partner Schools Officer and qualified gymnastics coach has been bringing sessions of another kind to one of her Schools.
The children at the Seacroft based primary school have had the opportunity to take part in a 6 week gymnastics programme which takes place after school hours every Monday.
A mix of 16 girls and boys in Year 2 attend the club weekly, with abilities ranging from beginners to those who attend gymnastics clubs outside of school.
The pupils learn a variety of gymnastics skills including: rolling, jumping and balancing, as well as more complex moves such as cartwheels and handstands, all whilst promoting a safe and fun environment.
The Partner Schools programme has been in operation since September 2014 and sees four Partner Schools Officers taking lessons in 37 Schools across Leeds in multi-skills, multi-sports and tag rugby.
Emma however, has utilised her coaching experience in gymnastics to offer the new after school club, which she coaches on top of her school time lessons:
“The sessions, which are 1 hour long, allow the children to develop their gross and fine motor skills, as well as learning key fundamentals of movement and fundamental movement skills- all of which are crucial at this age"
“I like to make sure that the skills the children learn at the club allow them to develop their ability in other sports too. As well as teaching the children the basic moves used in gymnastics, I also help them develop their own routines by linking the moves together – this really brings out their creative side!” Emma added.
To find out more about the Partner Schools programme visit: http://www.leedsrugbyfoundation.org/sport/partner-schools.php